Restore trust in governments, UN conference told

A United Nations conference in Brisbane has been told trust in government has to be restored to achieve equity in the world.

Opening the conference, the UN's assistant secretary-general on economic development Jomo Kawmo Sundaram said there is a growing feeling of disempowerment and despair in government processes.

He warned the delegates that a fair go for everyone is not possible until governments truly consult with those they represent.

"To reduce poverty and achieve social justice, it is important that trust in government is restored," he said.

"As citizens are more involved, engaged and empowered, so that they truly become masters of their own fates and can ensure decisions that are fair as well as equitable."

More than two-thousand delegates from 44 countries have converged on Brisbane for a four day conference on democracy and community involvement.

Spokesman Guido Bertucci says planning for the Queensland event has been under way for some time.

"I came last year here and I had discussion with the Premier and we thought why not bring together how around the world communities are involved in health, education of fighting HIV aids for example in Africa and in areas relating to the advancement of women," he said.